Chew on This

4 snacks that also protect your teeth

Your toothbrush and a pack of floss aren’t your only weapons against cavities. Chowing down on a few choice foods could help you avoid the dentists’ chair, too. Here are 4 snacks that actually protect your teeth.

Cheese

Though relatively high in calories (about 113 for a 1-ounce cube of cheddar), cheese has been shown to strengthen your teeth and protect them against staining. Here’s how it works: Excessive acid in your mouth can cause erosion of your enamel, which can lead to sensitivity, pain, and darker teeth. But eating cheese before a glass of wine, a sip of cola, or a bite of a tomato can help neutralize that acid. “The advantage of cheese is that the fatty film that leaves on your enamel after you ingest it protects you against acids and stains,” explains Dr. Laura Torrado, D.D.S., F.A.G.D.

Broccoli

A 2010 lab-based study in The European Journal of Dentistry showed that after being exposed to an acidic drink like cola, enamel erodes half as quickly when exposed to broccoli beforehand. Researchers explain that the iron in broccoli may help form a protective acid-resistant film on teeth.

Pears

Many fruits, like lemons, limes, oranges, and most berries, are actually quite bad for your teeth because they’re high in acid. Pears, on the other hand, are terrific for them. A South African study measured the acidity of plaque and found it became less acidic after eating a pear. Not only do they have a high water content—which helps dilute the sugar—but they also stimulate the flow of saliva, buffering your teeth against acid.

Sugarless Gum

Chewing gum helps dislodge food particles that become lodged between your teeth. Just make sure to choose a type like Trident that has the sugar substitute xylitol. Unlike other sugar substitutes, xylitol can’t be broken down into an acid by bacteria in your mouth.